One of the most enduring classics of 1970s American cinema has just become easier to watch than ever. Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, starring Robert De Niro, is now available for free on Pluto TV in the United States. For anyone who has yet to experience this gritty, unsettling portrait of urban alienation, there's no better time to dive in.
Released in 1976, Taxi Driver marked the second collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro, following Mean Streets. The film's production was as turbulent as its on-screen world. The studio was horrified by the graphic violence and the protagonist's vigilante justice, and Scorsese himself was deeply stressed, fearing his vision was being compromised. One of the most famous behind-the-scenes legends claims Scorsese was so convinced the film was being ruined that he nearly committed a violent act himself. While the truth remains murky, the story has become part of the film's mythology.
Quentin Tarantino, a devoted admirer of the film, has long championed its brilliance. In his book Cinema Speculation, he pinpointed the exact moment when the movie shifts from a quirky character study to something more profound: when the teenage prostitute, played by Jodie Foster, jumps into the cab and De Niro's Travis Bickle fails to help her. Tarantino has gone so far as to call it "the greatest first-person character study ever committed to film," adding that he can't think of a close second. His enthusiasm for the film is well-documented, and he's also been vocal about other cinematic favorites, like Rio Bravo, which is leaving streaming soon.
The film's influence extends far beyond Tarantino's praise. It directly inspired Todd Phillips' Joker, which borrowed its tone and themes of a lonely, violent outsider. Taxi Driver also features a young Jodie Foster in a breakout role, alongside Harvey Keitel as her pimp. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing nearly $30 million on a $2 million budget. It earned four Oscar nominations and won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, cementing its place in film history. Today, it holds a "Certified Fresh" 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Scorsese and De Niro would go on to collaborate on several more classics, including Goodfellas, Casino, Cape Fear, and more recently The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon. But Taxi Driver remains a touchstone of their partnership and a landmark of New Hollywood. If you're in the mood for a dark, character-driven thriller, this is a must-watch. And with Pluto TV offering it for free, there's no excuse not to see what all the fuss is about. For more streaming recommendations, check out our weekend picks or explore other Tarantino favorites like Django Unchained, also free on Pluto TV.
